Finally getting some work done

[roadranger]

Last weekend, I changed the rear ring and pinion. I took me way too long to complete, but I'm glad I completed it. I made the change from 3.45 to 3.73. I know most here say it's not worth the change, but I'm running 235/75R15 and this works great with the 2.9s torque. I can definitely tell the difference in how the truck drives. I like it!

I also changed the 9" drums with 10" and put in an add-a-leaf for a little more lift in the rear.

Next up, softride 132x coils up front, 3.73 pumkin install, and new bushings. There goes another weekend
Before:

After:

OK. It's not a fair comparison, but it's the only pic I could find from before. The truck sat pretty much level before. It now is about 2" higher that the front.

 

[Ryannn]

I was gonna say not a true comparison haha! Looks good though! Level it out!

 

[racsan]

looks awesome! regearing is always a good thing, nothing makes more of a noticeable improvement than putting a lower ratio in to get the engine more in its powerband. the only bad thing is that with a 4x4 youve got 2 sets to do, twice the cost. but its also possible to find a used front carrier with the ratio you need and avoid all the setup. of course you could get a whole differnt rear axle with the gearing you needed also, but you sometimes dont know what your getting with brakes, seals, bearings. ive toyed with going to 4.10's from my 3.73's but most of the time its good the way it came. im glad it didnt have 3.45 or 3.55 though.

 

[doorgunner]

Hey.....it doesn't hurt to give a 2.9 a little extra help

 

[jhammel85]

Nothing wrong with switching gears. I'm happy w/ my 3.73's.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I was gonna say not a true comparison haha! Looks good though! Level it out!

Then it would look even better with a load of rock in the back.

 

[straycat]

I like the truck. Why did you not just put in a 4:10? What size tires are those..31's?

 

[straycat]

Here is my 99 back in 2000 before I lifted it. I had 30x10.5 Dunlops on it. Then I lifted it that summer with a 5 inch suspension lift and add 33x12.5's

Here is after the 5 inch suspension lift and 33's.

Than the next year I added the 3 inch PA bl and roof rack and basket:

 

[roadranger]

I like the truck. Why did you not just put in a 4:10? What size tires are those..31's?

The tires are 235/75R15 (about 29") I put in 3.73 because I had the ring and pinion for the 7.5 rear already and found the front cheap.

 

[straycat]

Free is always better, Bro!!!

 

[roadranger]

It took all weekend to fix the front end and install the leveling coils.

I replaced the passenger side half of the radius arm crossmember. Had to weld the radius arm to build the metal that was worn away on it. Installed new radius arm bushings, replaced the three u-joints on the drive axles, swapped in the 3.73 pumpkin. Way too much work. I hope I don't have to repeat this any time soon.

Now I need an alignment :-/

 

[Insanejughead]

Liking the stance of your pickup, dude, as well as the background of Oregon.